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Grant

Gerd Ruge Scholarship of the Film and Media Foundation NRW

Scholarship for authors and directors with primary residence in Germany for the development and preparation of theatrical documentary film projects; digital submission by the deadline published on the website following a mandatory consultation.

Culture Media

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Grant criteria

Application level: Advanced
Region: North Rhine-Westphalia
Funding amount: Total amount of up to €100,000 as lump sums
Project duration: 18 months

Funding objective

Development and preparation of documentary film projects for cinema through fees for the creation of the shooting script, research costs, travel expenses, legal consultancy fees, packaging costs, as well as participation in national and international financing forums.

Eligible expenses

  • Fees for the creation of the shooting script
  • Research costs
  • Travel expenses
  • Legal consulting fees
  • Packaging costs (trailers, pitching materials)
  • Show more

Eligible to apply

  • Individuals

Funding requirements

  • Primary residence in Germany
  • Author or director
  • Students and production companies excluded
  • First project after graduation
  • Mandatory consultation before submission deadline

Documents required for application

  1. Cover letter to the jury (Writer’s/Producer’s Note)
  2. Project description (including 10–15-page treatment, visual concept, action plan)
  3. Viewing link to a reference project
  4. Cost plan (budget)
  5. Filmography and CV of the applicant
  6. Proof of rights acquisition
  7. Declaration of new project
  8. Proof of primary residence in Germany

Evaluation criteria

  • Decision by a multi-member jury

Description

The Gerd Ruge Scholarship of the Film and Media Foundation NRW is aimed at authors and directors with their primary residence in Germany who wish to develop their first documentary film project for cinema after graduation. Announced as a one-time grant of up to €100,000 as a lump sum, the program supports the development of the material and preparation phase over a period of up to 18 months. Funding covers fees for creating the shooting script, research and travel expenses, costs for legal advice, as well as packaging expenses (trailers, pitching materials) and participation in national and international financing forums. A multi-member jury decides on the applications annually, thereby specifically focusing on emerging documentary filmmakers.

Before submitting an application, a mandatory consultation with the Film and Media Foundation NRW must be completed, which must take place at least one week before the official deadline. After the consultation, access to the online portal is granted, through which the complete application documents must be submitted digitally. Required are: a cover letter to the jury (Writer’s/Producer’s Note), a detailed project description with a 10–15-page treatment and visual concept, a viewing link to a reference project, a detailed budget plan, the filmography and CV of the applicants, proof of rights acquisition, primary residence in Germany, as well as a declaration regarding the new project. Students and production companies are excluded from funding. Submissions must be made by the deadline announced on the website and follow clear formal criteria to ensure a fair evaluation.

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